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Tell us about yourself.
I grew up in a suburb of Chicago and went to the University of Notre Dame for undergrad. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, I went back to Chicago for a gap year, during which I worked in clinical research at Lurie Children's Hospital. My time there is what inspired me to pursue a career as a physician investigator. I came to CCLCM in 2020, looking to receive both a top-notch medical education and individualized research training. Now, as a fifth year, I’m very grateful to have matched into internal medicine at Northwestern.
What have been some of your favorite CCLCM experiences?
Longitudinal clinic was a big highlight of my CCLCM experience. I loved being able to experience patient care during the first two years of the program. When classes got tough, clinic reminded me and my peers why we chose to pursue medicine.
One of my favorite memories came from the Year 2 Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences block we take as part of our basic science training. My professor, Michael Faulx, MD, took our class to the coronary ICU and showed us the different mechanical circulatory supports they use. We encountered related pathologies firsthand and saw how our lessons on cardiac dynamics were applied clinically. That experience not only tied together everything I was learning but also sparked my interest in becoming a cardiologist.
Describe your Year 4 thesis research.
I worked with Michael Rothberg, MD, in the Center for Value-Based Care Research. During my clinical rotations, I became interested in evidence-based processes for improving care efficiency. Dr. Rothberg and I decided to examine the efficacy of potassium supplementation in preventing conditions like sudden cardiac arrest and arrhythmia. We looked at deidentified data from everyone who had had a cardiac arrest at Cleveland Clinic within the past five years and modeled the relationship between potassium levels, potassium supplementation and cardiac arrest. We hope to publish our results soon to help guide clinicians as to where potassium supplementation is beneficial.
Do you have any advice for new medical students?
Mentorship is important. Good mentors are your fiercest advocates, and they can guide you toward opportunities you never even knew existed.
I would also suggest focusing on projects that you’re passionate about. Often, new medical students feel pressure to get involved in as many different things as possible. Be selective about what you choose to do, because the possibilities are endless. If you can talk passionately about a project, be it research, volunteering or engagement in another form, people will respect that.
Tell us about your work with No One Dies Alone.
No One Dies Alone is a national initiative brought to Cleveland Clinic by Christian Alch, MD, and I had the privilege of helping establish our chapter and serving as a student leader. Volunteers sit vigil with dying patients who don’t have any family or friends present. Our goal is to provide a compassionate bedside presence and dignity in the dying process. It’s such a special program, and I encourage any interested CCLCM student to join.
What do you like to do outside of class?
In my free time, I love to walk and talk with friends along the Towpath Trail in Tremont or enjoy a good book. When I can travel, I love to explore new national parks. Finally, I’ve loved getting back into reading this year.
